Sometimes when an accident happens, people freeze in reaction. But the reactions of three young adults during a canoe trip last summer will bring them honors during the Mercer County Federation of Sportsman's Clubs annual banquet tonight in Sharon.

Heidi Geiwitz, 18, of Delaware Township; Matt Eddy, 19, of Pymatuning Township; and Elizabeth Gilliland, 21, of Pine Township, will be recognized for their bravery at a Youth Conservation Camp June 19.

More than 50 kids were on a canoe trip starting near the bridge near Oniontown in Salem Township. According to club secretary James Houston, about 75 people were in attendance including adults and youth counselors.

The water in the Shenango River was flooded, according to Houston and Eddy, who along with his two cohorts and others were in the water helping groups of kids get into canoes by twos. Eddy was a counselor, Ms. Geiwitz was camp administrator and Ms. Gilliland was camp director.

030509